ABSTRACT
Patterns of participation in sport and exercise reflect the fact that Norway, like other Western countries, experienced strong economic growth during the post-Second World War period and this, combined with changing gender roles, delayed entrance into the adult world, increased multi-culturalism and leisure time, and health policies has resulted in an overall increase in participation. This chapter describes and explains the development of Norwegian sport and exercise, and discusses some of the challenges stemming from it. It presents the larger picture of participation and focuses on social divisions in participation in sport and exercise. The chapter outlines the organisation of sports in Norway and state policies towards sports and exercise, and identifies key developments within these policies. It also discusses how the development of participation in and policy for sport and exercise is part of, and influenced by, global societal and policy trends. The chapter also identifies some challenges confronting the field of sport and exercise in Norway.
